That factor may be partly why they're seen as sizable underdogs in Trnava despite their impressive form. 888Sport are 11/5 (3.20) about Andriy Shevchenko's men securing a fourth consecutive victory in this competition.
Slovakia are 7/5 (2.40) to secure a victory on home soil with the draw priced at 2/1 (3.0) with the online bookmaker.
Ukraine missed out on a play-off place for Russia 2018, ending their qualification group three points behind Croatia. That's a respectable display but since then Shevchenko has seen his side go on a nine-match unbeaten run.
AFPSix of those games were wins for Friday's visitors and two of them came against Slovakia, one in a friendly and again in the reverse meeting.
Given that they've come out on top in each of those games, taking a chance on the away win at 11/5 (3.20) looks a bet worth considering for a modest stake.
Slovakia have lost both their opening Nations League games and have won just one of their previous six matches overall.
That solitary 3-0 success came against a Denmark team who fielded a hugely understrength team due to a dispute between the players and their Football Association, so it shouldn't be judged on the same level as their other results.
Getty ImagesCzech Republic won 2-1 at this venue in September and Slovakia’s slump looks unlikely to turn around against a side in fine form.
Given how the hosts of struggled of late it makes sense to side with a team who are high on confidence and can complete a perfect campaign with another victory, even though they’re guaranteed top spot already.
Such motivational factors are sometimes overestimated in the betting markets and the opportunity to get 11/5 (3.20) with 888Sport about Ukraine continuing their impressive run looks too good to turn down.
Ukraine to win at 11/5 (3.20) for a 1pt stake with 888Sport
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